[elJames]

Check your HOOD.

Trust me.

I recorded video here: https://youtube.com/shorts/bFptN89x0UY?feature=share

Sharp turns at slow speeds usually replicated on uneven surfaces I would get a clunk noise, or a knock, or creaking sound from what I thought was the front driver's side suspension, or steering column. Had my X5 in for service to the dealer 3 times in the last 6 weeks for inspection. The second time they replaced the tie rods per a service bulletin that did not fix the issue. The most recent and third time it was in, this time taking a full 7 days to try and resolve it, they did nothing but re-torque the front suspension components and finally concluded the sound is normal as they have not ever been able to actually replicate it.

Well anyway, after continuing to hear it and feeling gaslit by BMW, once I got my X5 home I just started pushing up and down on the driver's side over the tire to try and replicate the sound. I was immediately able to hear it coming from the hood. I recorded it and drove it again and was able to confirm that it is indeed the clunk, knock, creak sound I've been hearing. I can grab the hood and push / pull up and down and it makes this sound every time.

It makes sense now why this has been a mystery. The focus had been on inspecting the suspension and steering column, while it's the hood making noise when I suspect the frame flexes.

I can't say how relieved I feel to pinpoint it, and I hope it's as simple as this for all those who also have a "mystery noise".

****UPDATE****
Scheduled service with the dealer 4/15. They replaced the weather trim on the noisy side and also applied a lubricant to the bonnet seals under warranty. Took a few days for them to resolve the issue but happy to report the noise is gone.

[Rob_G77]

I had a 2020 X3 M40i which had the same issue of clunky hood hinges.

Rob

[MADBMWX5MC]

So what hood related components you think is the cause of this clunk?

[MJBradley1967]

Originally Posted by MADBMWX5MC

So what hood related components you think is the cause of this clunk?

Could be the hood latch was adjusted too high and/or the little rubber cushions were missing.

[MADBMWX5MC]

That clunk got my attention today as I was making a sharp right turn off a parking garage....you got my attention with your post.

[djohn]

I've not heard this when driving. But huh, just recently, when I was having to lean against the back (or top) driver-side part of the hood as I reached to complete a windshield repair kit, I heard it several times.

[WhereItsAt]

Ours had a similar noise. It was a wheel bearing. After initially replacing the rotors and pads. Then replacing the front suspension, they finally found the issue. Front driver side wheel bearing. This and the ambient light module have been our only issues in four years.

[bloom]

I got out of my car after work and did the same motion as you on the hood. It made the same noise. It doesn’t do it on the passenger side.

I hate finding problems lol

[elJames]

Originally Posted by bloom

I got out of my car after work and did the same motion as you on the hood. It made the same noise. It doesn’t do it on the passenger side.

I hate finding problems lol

Mine also does not do this on the passenger side. Have you noticed the knock, clunk, or creak sound with slow speed turns?

[bloom]

Originally Posted by elJames

Mine also does not do this on the passenger side. Have you noticed the knock, clunk, or creak sound with slow speed turns?

Few weeks ago I heard a clunk when I left the driveway one day, sounded like a shock was loose but I never heard it again so I didn’t worry about it

[rnestar]

I have been dealing with this issue for months. They did the same, check suspension and rods, and the sound was gone for months. But this morning I heard it again. I could replicate it at slow speed sharp turns too. I will be checking the hood tomorrow. Thanks for the post!

[Marty in NY]

Originally Posted by elJames

Mine also does not do this on the passenger side. Have you noticed the knock, clunk, or creak sound with slow speed turns?

So what did you do to fix it?

[elJames]

Originally Posted by Marty in NY

So what did you do to fix it?

Had it in for service with the dealer. They replaced the weather trim on the noisy side and also applied a lubricant to the bonnet seals, all under warranty. Seems simple but it took about three days for them to resolve it.